Shocker women’s team rides high into second game

The final eight minutes or so of Sunday’s 64-52, season-opening win over Creighton recalled some of the bad habits Wichita State’s women’s basketball team sunk into during last year’s eight-win season.

The Shockers were timid, hesitant against Creighton’s press and without a commanding presence that could have helped provide a smoother finish to what became almost a guaranteed win when they went ahead 44-22 in the third quarter.

“I will say that we took some poor shots, and we had some unforced turnovers,” WSU coach Jody Adams-Birch said. “We did some things that we didn’t want to do, because we wanted to stay in control of the game. … We thought, ‘OK, we’re going to save the game instead of go win the game.’ ”

Those eight minutes may have conjured negative memories, but the other 32 offered a glimpse of what the Shockers could become. It wasn’t always evident during two single-digit exhibition wins over Division II schools Newman and Cameron.

But on Sunday, WSU got contributions from junior-college transfers Keke Thompson, a point guard, and center Angiee Tompkins, who combined for 22 points. The Shockers also saw new facets from returners such as juniors Diamond Lockhart and Rangie Bessard.

Lockhart flashed an improved perimeter game, with two first-half three-pointers. Bessard, who averaged 15.5 points as a sophomore, played with the self-assuredness of a preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference selection.

“I think it gives us a lot of confidence going into the next game on Tuesday (against UMKC),” Lockhart said. “As long as we listen to the game plan and stick to it, we can accomplish anything.”

Four Shockers scored at least nine points and reserves Kayla Williams and Brittany Martin emerged with important plays in the first half (a Williams three-pointer) and the second (Martin’s key offensive rebound).

A 22-point third-quarter lead seemed unlikely, but not as much when matched with the depth and experience – WSU started four juniors and a senior – that has arrived seemingly out of nowhere.

“I think any game plan that we put together and we work certain shots and certain strategies, we wouldn’t plan for anything but to put us ahead,” Adams-Birch said. “Credit, though, to these guys for executing it.”

This story was originally published November 14, 2016 at 7:57 PM with the headline "Shocker women’s team rides high into second game."